Job sheet

The runner

The runner, or dining room assistant, is a vital component in the restaurant sector, facilitating the smooth operation of dining room service by quickly transporting dishes from the kitchen to customers. This position requires dynamism, responsiveness, and a good capacity to work under pressure.
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runner.jpg

Missions: The runner

The duties of a runner include preparing the dining area before service, assisting servers in transporting dishes and beverages from the kitchen to the dining room, clearing tables, and replenishing cutlery and glasses as needed. They must ensure the cleanliness of service areas, assist in setting tables, and be attentive to the requests of servers and customers to maintain efficient coordination with the kitchen. Speed and efficiency are crucial to minimize customer wait times.

Skills and training

No specific diploma is required to start as a runner, but training in the hotel and restaurant industry can be an asset. Basic knowledge of service standards and food hygiene rules is essential. Establishments often offer internal training on the specifics of the service.

Possible career paths for a food runner

With experience and appropriate training, runners can move up to positions as servers, head waiters, or even maître d's. Acquiring management and customer service skills is crucial for these career progressions.

What is the difference between a food runner and a server?

Although runners and servers both work in the dining room, their roles and responsibilities differ. The server is the main point of contact for customers: they take orders, advise on the menu, serve drinks, and ensure the smooth running of the meal. The runner, on the other hand, focuses on transporting dishes between the kitchen and the dining room, ensuring the speed and accuracy of orders. They may also help with clearing tables and setting up, but their interaction with customers is generally limited. In short, the server is responsible for the overall customer experience, while the runner plays a supporting role by ensuring the smooth flow of service.

Restaurant runner salary

The remuneration for the runner position is based on the current French national minimum wage, the Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance (SMIC). Currently, the gross hourly SMIC is set at €11.88, which equates to a gross monthly salary of €1,801.80 for a 35-hour work week. However, this base salary can evolve significantly depending on your professional development, the acquisition of new skills, and the achievement of outstanding performance. Salary variations may also occur depending on experience, the sector of activity, and geographical location.

Working as a temporary runner

Working as a temporary runner offers the opportunity to discover different types of establishments and cooking styles, thus broadening experience and skills in the restaurant sector. This flexibility is ideal for people looking to enrich their career path while enjoying some variety in their work environment. For restaurants, hiring temporary runners allows them to quickly adapt their workforce.

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